Harley-Davidson XL 883L Sportster review

The lowest Sportster Harley has made
Low seat height, better riding position for smaller riders
Not for you if you are over six foot tall

Not tested

Harley-Davidson has addressed the desire of women and smaller riders in general, who want to ride to ride their bikes but are too physically small for most if not all the standard models. The XL 883L has more amenable ergonomics; the seat height is lower, the bars pull back further and are slightly wider for easier bike control, the seat is set further forward. Both the front and rear suspension has been lowered and tweaked to improve handling, especially at slower speeds.

Not tested

Harley-Davidson has addressed the desire of women and smaller riders in general, who want to ride to ride their bikes but are too physically small for most if not all the standard models. The XL 883L has more amenable ergonomics; the seat height is lower, the bars pull back further and are slightly wider for easier bike control, the seat is set further forward. Both the front and rear suspension has been lowered and tweaked to improve handling, especially at slower speeds.

Length (mm)2250
Dryweight (kg)251
Seats2
Seat Height (mm)660
Suspension Front39mm forks
Suspension RearTwin coil over shocks
Adjustability FrontNone
Adjustability RearDual adjustable preload
Wheels Front19" chrome laced
Wheels Rear16" chrome laced
TyresDunlop
Tyres Front100/90-19 57H
Tyres Rear150/80B16 71H
Brakes FrontSingle 292mm disc, twin piston caliper
Brakes RearSingle 292mm disc, single piston caliper
Tank Capacity (litres)12.5
Wheelbase (mm)1515
Ground Clearance (mm)112
Rake (degrees)30
Trail (mm)117
ChassisMild steel, tubular frame with circular sections
Cubic Capacity (cc)883
Valves8
Torque (ft/lb)51
Torque Peak (rpm)4200
Bore (mm)76.2
Stroke (mm)96.8
Compression Ratio8.9:1
Valves Per Cylinder4
Exhaust LayoutStaggered exhaust with shorty dual mufflers
CoolingAir
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveBelt